Shoe with orthopedic adjustment and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

An orthopedic shoe may include a shoe having an upper and a sole, the upper having a multi-compartment toe box at a forefront of the shoe, the multi-compartment toe box including a separate compartment for the big toe; and an elevating portion at a location corresponding to a big toe. Further another orthopedic shoe may include a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion, wherein an outsole of the sole has a groove formed therein at a location corresponding to a base of the elevating portion which contacts the sole at the location where the big toe bends. Further yet another orthopedic shoe may include a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion, wherein the upper comprises a toe box, and wherein the toe box has a peak height above the sole at a location above the elevating portion.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to orthopedic devices, particularly to orthopedic shoes for improving stability of a foot during standing and/or ambulation.

Description of Related Art

When a person ambulates or walks, the foot first lands in a supinated position and then moves to a more pronated position to absorb the shock of contacting the ground. The pronated phase is followed by a final supinated phase, in which the foot pushes off into the next stride. In the pronation phase, the foot contacts the ground, and then the arch lowers to act as body's shock absorber. In the supination phase, the bones in the foot form a rigid lever to push off into the next step.

Pronation involves rotation of a joint or part in a forward direction or toward the midline of the body, while supination involves rotation of a joint or part in an outward direction or away from the midline of the body. When a person over-pronates or places too much force on the inside of a foot, excessive mobility of the medial arch area of the foot can result. A foot that stays pronated throughout the walking stance is inefficient at propelling the body forward. The instability resulting from over-pronation can lead to arch, foot, ankle, and/or leg pain, as well as postural problems due to excessive internal rotation of the leg. To propel the body forward in an efficient manner, the foot would supinate in late midstance and become rigid with the joints assuming a closed packed position.

In order for normal pronation and supination to occur, there needs to be proper motion of the big toe joint (first metatarsal phalangeal joint), (MTPJ) in extension as one moves forward through the foot normally in the course of ambulation. If this motion is blocked by an abnormally stiff shoe, or improper osseous and ligamentous alignment in the feet, the normal function of the foot will be disrupted. The foot will also not engage the windlass mechanism. This mechanism provides for the plantar fascia to help to accentuate the medial longitudinal arch and provides stability of the forefoot in propulsion. This is necessary for normal foot function.

While orthopedic appliances are effective means for correcting improper pronation and supination, there are still various limitations to the orthopedic appliances.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an orthopedic shoe that includes a shoe having an upper and a sole, the upper having a multi-compartment toe box at a forefront of the shoe, the multi-compartment toe box including a separate compartment for the big toe; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an orthopedic shoe that includes a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe, wherein an outsole of the sole has a groove formed therein at a location corresponding to a base of the elevating portion which contacts the sole at the location where the big toe bends.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an orthopedic shoe that include a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe, wherein the upper comprises a toe box, and wherein the toe box has a peak height above the sole at a location above the elevating portion.

Other aspects of the invention will become evident from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing the wedge as the elevating portion.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic illustrating the location of the wedge on the sole.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing a cam mechanism as the elevating portion.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing screws as providing the elevating portion.

FIG. 3B shows a schematic illustrating the location of the screws on the sole.

FIG. 3C shows another schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing screws as providing the elevating portion.

FIG. 3D shows another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing a flexible fabric at a location above the elevating portion.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustrating the toe box and a separate compartment for the big toe.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing the outsole of the sole having a groove formed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to orthopedic shoes for improving stability of a foot during standing and/or ambulation. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an orthopedic shoe may comprise a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe. Conventional orthopedic appliances that fit under the big toe cannot fit in certain shoes. In particular, incorporation of the appliance into a shoe may require modification of the shoe toebox to accommodate the elevated big toe. Further, when an insole is placed inside a regular shoe, the upper of the shoes, over time, will be worn out due to the excess pressure on the big toe and toenail from the elevated big toe. Moreover, most shoes have rigid outsoles. When such shoes have insole placed inside, they would result in uncomfortable walking. Therefore, current shoes cannot satisfy these requirements and have a lot of disadvantages. Thus there is a need for development of an orthopedic shoe for efficiently and easily correcting improper pronation and supination.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly FIG. 1A, an embodiment of an orthopedic shoe is shown. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a schematic illustrating the orthopedic shoe of the present disclosure showing a wedge as an elevating portion within the shoe. While not explicitly shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the wedge in accordance with the present disclosure is adjustable.

Shoe 1 to be worn by a foot 5 includes a sole 20 and an upper 30 attached to the sole 20. Shoe 1 also includes an elevating portion or wedge 10 configured to elevate the big toe 40 of foot 5. Thus, the wedge 10 is located in an interior of the shoe 1 extending from the sole 20 towards the upper 30 at a location corresponding to a big toe 40. The wedge 10 provides a means to elevate the big toe up 40 from the top surface 50 of the sole 20 and thus up from the floor. In one or more embodiments, sole 20 may include an insole 24, a midsole 26 and an outsole 27. Further, it is understood that insole 24 may optionally be removable from shoe 1. In one or more embodiments, wedge 10 may be a part of insole 24, for example, a removable insole 24 shown in FIG. 1B.

The overall length and the overall width and overall height of the wedge 10 can vary dependent upon the individual big toe 40 to be elevated. The wedge 10 may function to stabilize the first metatarsal against ground reactive forces and limit the displacement of the first metatarsal upward. Thus, when a person is wearing the shoe of the present disclosure, the first metatarsal will plantarflex more easily through the terminal midstance and active propulsive phases of gait. By placing the plantar aponeurosis on stretch, there will result a retrograde effect at stabilizing the joints more proximally referred to as the first ray, midtarsal joint and the subtalar joint with improved joint congruity and alignment of the foot in relationship to the leg during ambulation. When the first metatarsophalangeal join is able to dorsiflex 20-30 degrees, normal plantarflexion of the first metatarsal is possible. As further dorsiflexion occurs, further plantarflexion of the first metatarsal is possible, and additional stability of the foot is achieved. Therefore, the degree of dorsal displacement of the toe will dictate the stability of the foot desired and can be changed depending on the foot type or activity being performed. In some situations, a more compliant foot may be desirable, and in others a more stable foot may be required, particularly as related to athletic performance. The wedge 10 will allow for as much elevation of the big toe as desired

The relation between the sole 20 and the wedge 10 is defined by an angle y, which may most easily be measured by comparing a plane at the surface of sole 20 under the second to fifth toes relative to the surface of wedge 10 under the big toe. The angle y may be in the range of from 3-90 degrees for normal ambulation. The angle y can be either increased or decreased depending upon the amount of correction desired for the specific activity and the heel height of the shoe, for example.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wedge 10 is a solid block of material that extends above the remaining upper surface of sole 20 (and insole 24) to elevate the big toe 40. However, the present disclosure is not so limited to the use of a solid wedge block. Rather, the present disclosure encompasses any mechanism for elevating the big toe 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an orthopedic shoe with a cam mechanism 11 as the elevating portion is provided. The cam mechanism 11 includes a rotating wheel 111 and a lever 112. The rotating wheel 111 is disposed on the sole 20 (optionally an insole or a midsole or an outsole). The lever 112 has one end connected to the rotating wheel 111, and the other end may raise up big toe 40 away from sole 20. The lever 112 configured to elevate the big toe up from a top planar surface of the sole 20 in response to the rotation of the rotating wheel 111. It is envisioned that there may be many variations on the types of cam mechanisms, but as shown, the wheel 111 may have a limacon shape, and the lever 112 may have an internal spring 113 which keeps a roller (not shown) within lever 112 rolling along the limacon shape. Further, it is understood that the rotating wheel may be accessible through the sole 20, for example, so that a user may rotate the wheel through one or more positions, thereby pivoting lever 112 to raise big toe 40. The limacon shaped wheel is just one example; other examples would be a wheel having a surface that is created by a logarithmic or arithmetic spiral.

The relation between the sole 20 and the lever 112 of the cam mechanism 111 is defined by an angle, which may be in the range of from 3-90 degrees for normal ambulation. The angle can be either increased or decreased depending upon the amount of correction desired and the heel height of the shoe.

FIGS. 3A-3D show another embodiment of for elevating the big toe. As shown in FIG. 3A-B, an orthopedic shoe with screws as the elevating portion is provided. The elevating portion comprises at least two screws 12 disposed in screwholes 121 formed in the sole 20 at the location corresponding to the big toe 40, and a plate 122 made of rigid material configured to elevate the big toe upon engagement of the plate 122 with the ends of the at least two screws 12 (upon being screwed into screwholes 121. It is understood that the angle of the elevation may depend, for example, on the height of screws 12 and/or the extent of screws 12 being screwed into screwholes 121. Further, while the figures illustrate the screws 12 being inserted from a bottom or end of surface of the sole 20, the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, it is also envisioned that screws 12 may be inserted from the end (as shown in FIGS. 3C-D) of the sole 20 to engage with the rigid plate 122 underneath the big toe 40. In this case the screws may be tapered, for example, in different shapes (diameter, length, and/or angle of taper) to allow for different degrees of correction.

The relation between the sole 20 and the plate 122 is defined by an angle that may range of from 3-90 degrees for normal ambulation. The angle can be either increased or decreased depending upon the amount of correction desired and the heel height of the shoe.

As shown in FIG. 4A, an orthopedic shoe with a flexible fabric at a location above the elevating portion is provided. The upper 30 of shoe 1 comprises a flexible fabric 13 at a location above the elevating portion (shown as wedge 10). Thus, flexible fabric 13 may reduce the amount of pressure on big toe 40. Such flexible fabric 13 may be present only in the region corresponding to the big toe 40 or it may be used in more of or substantially all other regions of the toe box. Further, it is also envisioned that the shoe 1 may have a relatively larger volume in the big toe 40 as compared to the second to fifth toes. This volume would be dictated by the height of the lift under the big toe to accommodate the highest lift allowed, angle y of FIG. 1A. By relatively larger volume, it is not necessarily that the actual volume at the big toe is larger than the volume for the second to fifth toes, but that the volume at the big toe is larger than what would conventionally be at the big toe, having a continuous toe box profile. In contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure may allow for a toe box that is higher at the big toe than one or more of the remaining toes. For example, the upper 30 comprises a toe box (shown in FIG. 5 as 14), and the toe box has a peak height above the sole 20 at a location above the elevating portion 10.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, to accommodate the variations in the toe box (such as those described in FIG. 4) as well as the variations in the elevating portions described above, the shoe 1 has a multi-compartment toe box 14 including a separate compartment 15 for the big toe. Specifically, the toe box 14 may include an internal wall formed therein that divides the toe box 14 into a compartment 15 for the big toe (not shown in FIG. 5) and a compartment 16 for the second to fifth toes.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment is shown that may be used in combination with one or more of the above described components or features. As shown in FIG. 6, an orthopedic shoe 1 with an outsole 27 and midsole 26 of the sole 20 having a groove 28 formed therein is provided. As discussed above, sole 20 may have an insole 24 component (forming the elevating portion, for example) that faces the foot, and an outsole 27 and or midsole 26 that faces the ground when on a foot. As shown, the outsole 27 and/or midsole 26 of the sole 20 has a groove 28 formed therein to allow for flexibility in the shoe 1 during ambulation. The groove 28 is formed at a location corresponding to a base of the elevating portion 10 (wedge shown in FIG. 6) which extends away from the sole 20, i.e., at the location where the big toe 40 bends. In one or more embodiments, the groove 28 may extend only across the width of the shoe 1 corresponding to big toe 40. In such a manner, the flexibility of the sole 20 may be greater at the big toe 40 than at the remaining toes. However, it is also understood that the groove 28 may extend across a greater amount, providing the flexibility to the remaining portions as well. Further, the advantage derived from the groove 28 may have particular effect for outsoles 27 that are not easily bent with a force applied at the end of the shoe with the hand to try to flex the shoe at the area in back of where the big toe starts. Alternatively, the outsole and midsole can have a cut (a slit without any or minimal gap between the two surfaces of the cut) to allow better flexibility, as well as or as an alternative the stated groove. Further the advantage derived from the groove or cut may be to mitigate the rigidity of denser and durable sole materials.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments that do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein can be devised. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited only by the attached claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthopedic shoe, comprising: a shoe having an upper and a sole, the upper having a multi-compartment toe box at a forefront of the shoe, the multi-compartment toe box including a separate compartment for the big toe; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe.
 2. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the elevating portion is configured to have a plurality of different elevations.
 3. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the elevating portion is disposed on a removable insole.
 4. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a flexible fabric at a location above the elevating portion.
 5. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a toe box, and wherein the toe box has a peak height above the sole at a location above the elevating portion.
 6. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the elevating portion comprises a wedge located at the location corresponding to the big toe configured to elevate said big toe up from a top planar surface of the sole.
 7. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the elevating portion comprises a cam mechanism, comprising: a rotating wheel disposed on the sole; a lever having one end connected to said rotating wheel, and the other end extending to a location corresponding to the big toe; said lever configured to elevate said big toe in response to the rotation of said rotating wheel.
 8. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein the elevating portion comprises: at least two screws disposed in screwholes formed in the sole at the location corresponding to the big toe; and a plate made of rigid material configured to elevate the big toe upon engagement with the ends of the at least two screws.
 9. The orthopedic shoe of claim 1, wherein an outsole of the sole has a groove formed therein at a location corresponding to a base of the elevating portion which contacts the sole at the location where the big toe bends.
 10. An orthopedic shoe, comprising: a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe, wherein an outsole of the sole has a groove formed therein at a location corresponding to a base of the elevating portion which contacts the sole at the location where the big toe bends.
 11. The orthopedic shoe of claim 10, wherein the elevating portion is configured to have a plurality of different elevations.
 12. The orthopedic shoe of claim 10, wherein the upper comprises a flexible fabric at a location above the elevating portion.
 13. The orthopedic shoe of claim 10, wherein the upper comprises a toe box, and wherein the toe box has a peak height above the sole at a location above the elevating portion.
 14. The orthopedic shoe of claim 10, wherein the elevating portion comprises a wedge located at the location corresponding to the big toe configured to elevate said big toe up from a top planar surface of the sole.
 15. An orthopedic shoe, comprising: a shoe having an upper and a sole; and an elevating portion in an interior of the shoe extending from the sole towards the upper at a location corresponding to a big toe, wherein the upper comprises a toe box, and wherein the toe box has a peak height above the sole at a location above the elevating portion.
 16. The orthopedic shoe of claim 15, wherein the elevating portion is configured to have a plurality of different elevations.
 17. The orthopedic shoe of claim 15, wherein the upper comprises a flexible fabric at a location above the elevating portion.
 18. The orthopedic shoe of claim 15, wherein the elevating portion comprises a wedge located at the location corresponding to the big toe configured to elevate said big toe up from a top planar surface of the sole. 